Dear Friends in and around First Church,
So, what’s new? The final week of the campaigns offers full intensity theatrics and fireworks. The financial world is settling down some places and still shaky in others. Some family members and good friends are facing serious illnesses and others are recovering wonderfully. Part of
Every once in a while, I wander through our Hymnal to see which hymns we don’t use. I came across No. 517, a translation of a hymn by Dietrich Bonhoeffer written as a prisoner in a concentration camp shortly before Hitler had him executed for his resistance as a Christian pastor. Here are some words to ponder:
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered,
And confidently waiting, come what may,
We know that God is with us night and morning,
And never fails to greet us each new day.
Yet is this heart by its old foe tormented
And evil days bring burdens hard to bear;
O give our frightened souls the sure salvation
For which, O Lord, you taught us to prepare.
(You can see more on that hymn at http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/133.html)
Sunday is All Saints’ Sunday. We celebrate the lives of some remarkable people from
Here are some important items:
1. We can only say “Praise God!” for the first returns of pledges for 2009.
2. There are still lots of pledges to be received. I hope you’ll be part of the joyous, hopeful crowd that offers your best to Christ and the Church. Let’s watch what God will do!
3. Sunday is UMW Blanket Sunday. Come prepared to give a blanket for $5.
4. Our
5. And we need passionate people to:
a. Give blood or help with the
b. Provide hospitality on New Year’s Eve when we are a site for Countdown Lancaster
c. More servanthood opportunities – see the Engaging in Ministry email each week and the blurbs in the bulletin and First Church News.
d. And of course, remember to vote on November 4 ! !
See you Sunday where we remember great people, praise God for them, and respond to God’s calls on our lives – as they did!
All members and friends of
First United